Agricultural Machine Combination with Nested Sowing Coulters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tillage combinations are inefficient due to a large overall center of gravity, requiring large tractors with high lifting forces, and lack a compact design for effective soil compaction across the entire working width.
Innovation Solution
The sowing coulters are positioned between the roller elements, with depth control wheels extending into the spaces between the rollers to compact the soil, and the crossbar is placed in front of the rollers, allowing the coulters to be pushed into these spaces, reducing the length and shifting the center of gravity closer to the tractor's three-point linkage. Additionally, the fertilizer and seed storage containers are placed above the tillage implement and in front of the trailing roller, and some roller elements serve as chassis elements for a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the crossbar is arranged behind the roller elements to accommodate sowing coulters, then the coulters can be positioned for sowing operations, but the overall length of the combination increases and the center of gravity shifts away from the three-point linkage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement where coulters are positioned behind the roller elements to a three-dimensional configuration where coulters are integrated into the intermediate area between roller elements. This spatial reorganization allows the coulters to be accommodated without increasing the overall length of the combination, as they utilize the vertical and lateral space between the rollers rather than extending the horizontal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The sowing coulters are nested within the intermediate area formed by the roller elements, effectively using the space between the rollers to house the coulters. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements (rollers and coulters) to coexist in a compact configuration, reducing the overall combination length while maintaining both rolling and sowing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the combination is made longer to accommodate all components, then all functions can be included, but the center of gravity moves to a larger distance from the three-point linkage requiring larger tractors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions components from a purely horizontal arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where the crossbar and coulters are located in the intermediate area between roller elements. This vertical and lateral repositioning allows the center of gravity to remain closer to the three-point linkage while still accommodating all necessary functional components, thereby reducing the effective weight distance and allowing use with smaller tractors.
3Ease of operation
If roller elements are spaced apart to allow coulters to pass, then sowing operations can be performed, but gaps remain uncompact ed and reduce overall compaction effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces depth control wheels as intermediary elements that extend into the intermediate area between roller elements. These depth control wheels serve as mediators that perform the compaction function in the gaps between the roller elements, ensuring that the entire working width including the intermediate areas receives adequate compaction treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth control wheels perform multiple functions: they control the depth of the coulters during sowing operations and simultaneously provide soil compaction in the intermediate areas between roller elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate compaction elements and ensures complete compaction coverage across the entire working width.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for a compact tillage combination with a favorable center of gravity, enabling the use of tractors with lower lifting power and ensuring thorough soil compaction across the entire working width, improving driving behavior and reducing the length of the tillage combination.
Implementation Method 1
the depth control wheels assigned to the shares compact the area not compacted by the roller elements of the trailing roller
Implementation Method 2
through the interaction of the roller elements of the rear roller and the depth control wheels, a compaction or reconsolidation of the soil is achieved
Data Source
AI summary
The combination (1) has blades arranged in areas that are not fastened by roller elements (5), and a cross-bar (7) arranged in front of the roller elements. Depth control wheels (17) extend approximately over spaces between the roller elements. The depth control wheels with a front area extend into the spaces between the roller elements. The depth control wheels partially reinforce areas that are not reinforced by the roller elements. Joint bars (15) partially extend through the spaces between the roller elements.